Nowra Riverfront Activation (NRAT)

The Nowra Riverfront Advisory Taskforce (NRAT) was established in November 2020 by the NSW Government and is co-chaired by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) and the Department of Regional NSW. Its role is to help ensure that the planning for the Riverfront is coordinated and aligned to other major projects underway, to identify and prioritise strategic development opportunities, and to drive the revitalisation of the Riverfront.

One of the Taskforce’s initial actions was to identify a range of planning studies and investigations that are needed to support future changes to the planning controls (including zoning and building heights) within the Riverfront.

The supporting studies that are now underway or planned include:

• Cross-Cultural Framework

Work has commenced on the preparation of a Cross-Cultural Framework for the Precinct. The work on the Framework is jointly funded by Council and the NSW Government.

The Framework will engage with local Aboriginal leaders, knowledge holders and community early in the project to identify themes, narratives, storylines and opportunities for interpretation to ensure that Aboriginal cultural knowledge is valued and respected throughout the activation of the Nowra Riverfront. This approach follows that of ‘designing with country’, following the Connecting with Country Draft Framework (Government Architect NSW).

• Integrated Transport Plan

Work has commenced on the preparation of an Integrated Transport Plan for the Precinct to develop a movement and place assessment of the broader network to identify issues, opportunities and define transport infrastructure requirements. The Integrated Transport Plan is being funded by Council.

• Flood Impact and Risk Assessment

Work is advanced on the preparation of a detailed Flood Impact and Risk Assessment (FIRA) for the Precinct. The FIRA is a key piece of work given the nature of the precinct and it is jointly funded by Council and NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE).

The FIRA will provide detailed flood information and an assessment of risks to inform future changes to the planning controls (including zoning and building height) and detailed development controls for future development applications in the Precinct. The previously adopted Nowra Riverfront Leisure and Entertainment Precinct Master Plan noted that future planning controls will be dependent on detailed flood studies that consider the Precinct’s flood constraints and manage the potential flood risks created by future development. The FIRA will provide greater clarity on the flood risk and how these impacts can be managed.

The FIRA will include input from key agency stakeholders, including the State Emergency Service, NSW Department of Planning & Environment, Transport for NSW and Council, and will be a part of the package of documents to be publicly exhibited with the future Planning Proposal to amend planning controls.

• Open Space Concept Design

Work has been undertaken on the development of a landscape concept design for the proposed Central Open Space within the Precinct. The design work is jointly funded by Council and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE).

The concept plan identifies and responds to key site opportunities and constraints. The outcomes of various other studies, including the FIRA and Cross-Cultural Strategic Framework, will further inform the Open Space Concept Design and subsequent Detailed Design.

• Utility Infrastructure Capability Assessment

Work has been undertaken on a Utility Infrastructure Capability Assessment for the Precinct. This assessment is jointly funded by Council and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE).

The aim of the assessment is to determine the capacity of the precinct for key utilities including water, sewer, stormwater, electricity, gas and telecommunications, and identify any adjustments/updates or new infrastructure that would be needed to support the future development of land in the Precinct.

• Geotechnical / Acid Sulfate Soils / Contamination

A Geotechnical / Acid Sulfate Soils / Contamination study has been undertaken for the Precinct. The study is jointly funded by Council and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE).

This study identifies any geotechnical, acid sulfate soils or contamination constraints in the Precinct to support and inform the envisaged development, with a focus on the proposed riverfront park and associated infrastructure (roads, drainage etc.). The study’s findings and recommendations will have regard to the current vision, strategic direction and proposed planning controls for the Precinct.

As part of the study, a number of field investigations will be carried out including bore hole and test pit sampling. Site tests were contained within Council owned/managed land and public road reserves.

The following studies are also planned to be completed to support the planning and redevelopment of the Precinct:

• Urban Design Review
• Economic Feasibility Analysis
• Site-specific Cultural Heritage studies
• Non-Indigenous Heritage Review
• Traffic/Transport Plan
• Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan
• Graham Lodge – Conservation Management Plan
• Social Impact (Housing Affordability) Study

The various studies or assessments are being co-funded by Council and the NSW Government and will form part of the package of documents to be publicly exhibited with the future Planning Proposal to amend the planning controls in the Precinct and support its redevelopment.

Shoalhaven City Council adopted the Nowra Riverfront Leisure and Entertainment Precinct Strategic Direction and Proposed Planning Controls Report on Tuesday 11 September 2018.

The Strategic Direction and Proposed Planning Controls Report were publicly exhibited in April/May 2018.

The key principles in the Strategic Direction for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct are to:

• Connect Nowra CBD to the riverfront
• Revitalise the riverfront
• Improve open space along the river.

The key objectives of the Nowra Riverfront Strategic Direction Report are to:

• Increase safety so that it’s a place that more people want to visit
• Enhance the open space so that it’s a place where it’s easier to spend more time
• Improve connections so that it’s a place that’s easier to find and easier to get around
• Strengthen the gateway to showcase the attractions and make it easier to access the place
• Be a catalyst for renewal – encourage investment and development to improve the quality of the place.

The NSW Government released the Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041 in May 2021. The Plan sets the strategic framework for the region. The revitalisation of the Nowra Riverfront is identified as a key contributor to achieving Objective 2 of the Plan, being ‘grow the region’s regional cities.’ Following the finalisation of the Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041, the NSW Government committed to continue their work with key stakeholders on a range of initiatives including the activation of the Nowra Riverfront.